Cough-a-lizer

ABSTRACT

The germ and noise filter device is a disposable, hand held filter apparatus that covers the mouth of the user during the exhale phase of a cough. The device comprises: a body with a cavity that houses three micro-filters; a corrugated tube; two one-way valves and a mesh screen. The body can be made of durable plastic material that may be transparent or a combination of many attractive colors. The two one-way valves act as a filter element for the noise that would normally occur. An eyelet is formed on the body to allow the device to be worn about the person. When a cough is eminent, the opening of the device is engaged against the user lips to prevent the transmission of air-borne diseases and reduce the noise of the coughs.

BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION

The germ and noise filter device relates generally to the field ofpublic health, more particularly to the field of germ prevention. Thedevice is designed to protect other persons from contaminants expelledfrom the user with cold and flu like symptoms and decrease the noisethat normally occur from coughs. The following U.S. patents reflect thestate of the art of which the applicant are aware insofar as they aresomewhat pertinent to the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 3,719,188 toFisher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,212 to Figone et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,792,013 to Boynton; U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,495 to Chapman: U.S. Pat. No.5,413,094 to McBrearty; U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,377 to Shinabarger; U.S.Pat. No. 6,085,864 to Copeland et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,860 toEllington et al.

The patent to Fisher et al. discloses a cough filter device comprising aperforated container, mouth piece and cover. The container is lined witha filter material to trap vapors and micro-organisms. The device is keptin a pocket or purse for convenience. In use the device is opened andmouth piece is placed to the user mouth to catch expelled vapors.

The patent to Figone et al. discloses a human muffler to be held aroundthe user mouth which includes a microphone and electric circuit forreceiving unabsorbed sounds.

The Boynton patent discloses a globe-like device for muffling the criesof an infant.

The Chapman patent discloses a device for muffling vocal sounds,particularly coughing and sneezing sounds made by hunters and the like,and covers both the nose and mouth of the user.

The patent to McBrearty discloses a device which has a core made of anoise reduction material that fits over the user's mouth and nose.

The patent to Shinabarger discloses a cylindrical device with a handle.The device comprised of alternating layers of rigid and soft foam. Thedevice include a circular mouthpiece member.

The patent to Copeland et al. discloses a cup-shaped casing, mouthpiecewhich extends into and out of the cup-shaped casing, and two pieces ofabsorbent material. The device deaden coughs and other vocal sounds madeby hunters, bird watchers and the like.

The patent to Ellington et al. discloses a cough silencer devicecomprising a body, cavity and mouth portion. An internal mufflingbaffling system within the cavity is attached to the mouth portion. Inuse, the mouth portion is placed into the user mouth and allow theinternal baffling system to silence the cough.

The present germ and noise filter invention is different than thesepatents in that it provides an improved disposable filter system andunique noise reduction means for coughs related to cold and flu likesymptoms.

In reference to the patent, Fisher et al, the present germ and noisefilter device clearly distinguish itself not only by it's noisereduction feature, but also it's unique components. The micro-filtersnot only effectively filter virus and bacteria but also serve as part ofthe noise reduction feature due to their strategic location.

The corrugated tubing ability to absorb and channel large air volume andmoisture is another component that separate the present invention fromthe prior art patents. Because of the unique ability of the corrugatedtubing to accommandate forceful exhalation with out restricting outputis a tremendous advantage for people with respiratory ailments. In thepatent to Fisher et al, the perforated holes of the device are locatedin the side walls adjacent to the bottom of the container for theaccumulation of moisture.

The perforated entrance and mesh screen of the present invention isanother unique component. The location of the mesh screen in relation tothe perforated opening prevents mucus and saliva from clogging themicro-filters. A distinct advantage from the open mouth piece of thefisher patent.

Another unique component of the present germ and noise filter device arethe one way valves which allow for a certain amount of airflowdifferential to be achieved resulting in decrease noise volume that theFisher patent does not have. Because of it's location to themicro-filters and corrugated tubing, it also expedite filtered air andmoisture decreasing the potential for bacteria and germs to grow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is potentially significantbenefit to a simple non-invasive device capable of reducing the noisevolume of coughs while decreasing the spread of germs. One of the mostcompelling arguments for the present invention was the Severe AcuteRespiratory Syndrome or (S.A.R.S) scare that threaten a global epidemic.Common cold and flu viruses are transmitted in this airborne route dueto coughs. The present invention is convenient for regular use by adultsand children, medical and non-medical personnel, inside and outside ofhospitals and health care setting, large or small offices, schoolrooms,private residence and other places of gathering.

The germ and noise reduction filter device of the present invention inbrief summary comprises: a “T” shaped body having a cavity therein witha perforated opening to be engaged by the user lips. The body may bemade of durable plastic material that can be transparent or any one orcombinations of attractive colors. An eyelet is formed on the body toallow the device to be conveniently worn about the person of the user.Venting slots are provided on the body. A filter system is deposedwithin the cavity as well as a means to decrease the noise of coughs.

The object of the present invention will become more readily apparentfrom the following description in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of the germ and noise filter invention.

FIG. 2. is a cross-sectional view to show interior construction of thegerm and noise filter invention.

FIG. 3. is a cross sectional view to show internal components of thegerm and noise filter invention and how they associate with each other.

FIG. 4 a. is a top plain view of the rim and perforated opening of thegerm and noise filter invention.

FIG. 4 b. is a plain side view of the germ and noise filter invention

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The device used for reduction in audio expiration output and decrease inmicroscopic germ particles are provided. The drawings discloses apreferred embodiment of the present invention, reference is made firstto FIG. 1 which illustrate various components of the present inventionbeing a cough filter and noise reduction device comprising a “T” shapedbody 12, a perforated opening 16 and venting slots 18 therein. An eyelet20 is formed to allow the body 12 to be conveniently worn about theperson. The body 12 may be made of durable plastic material which may betransparent or a combination of many attractive colors.

FIG. 2. illustrates mesh screen slot 30, cavity 22, and filter holders24,26 and 28

FIG. 3. illustrates the placement of the mesh screen 44 just below therim and perforated entrance opening; placement of filters 32, 34, and36, between corrugated T-tube 42 to remove air-borne viruses from theexpelled breath of the user and exit through one-way valves 38 and 40.The preferred filter material has been tested and found to have afiltration rate of 99.99% for bacteria and 99.90% for virus; a highsaturation tolerance; disposable and free of natural rubber latex.Product number SJ1503 manufactured by BIO-MEDIC INC, P.O. BOX 7343 SanClemete, Calif. 92676

FIG. 4 a. and 4 b. Illustrates perforated opening 16 which includes arim 14 adapted to engage the lips of the user to ensure a good seal anda plain side view of the germ and noise filter device.

Filter 32 removes microorganisms from the exhale flow stream ofperforated opening 16; corrugated T-tube 42 absorbs and streamlineairflow and moisture from filter 32 toward filters 34 and 36 whereremaining microorganisms are removed.

One-way valves 38 and 40 quickly purge the filtered air-stream fromfilters 32, 34, and 36, streamlined by corrugated T-tube 42 where itexit through vents 18 to the atmosphere. One-way valves 38 and 40further allows for a degree of airflow differential of generated soundto be achieved resulting in noise reduction of coughs.

In use the filter and noise reduction device 12 is suspended from theuser person in a convenient spot, when a cough is imminent, the rim 14of oval opening 16 is engaged against the user lips to catch anyexpelled air-borne microorganisms and to reduce the sound made by thecough. Although the exhale air may engage the filters at variouslocations in the exhale flow stream, the filters enable microorganismsto be removed and accomplish a level of protection to other persons orthings.

Although the fore going invention has been described in some detail byway of illustrations for the purpose of clarity, it should be understoodthat many, modifications, variations and other applications will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art after considering thisspecification and accompanying drawings. There fore, any and allchanges, modification, variations and other uses and application whichdo not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention aredeemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by thefollowing claims.

1. A disposable cough filter and noise reduction device comprising: (a)a body having a cavity therein and said body having venting slots; (b)has at least one orifice that allows exhale air to enter interior spaceand at least one orifice that allows exhale air to pass from interiorspace to exterior space; (c) a filter element that is disposed withinthe body's exhale flow stream to prevent contaminants from passing fromthe interior with the exhaled air; (d) a noise filter element disposedwithin the body to decrease the noise;
 2. The cough filter and noisereduction device as cited in claim 1, wherein the internal filterelement include strategically spaced apart micro-filters.
 3. The coughfilter and noise reduction device as cited in claim 1, wherein internalfilter system include a corrugated tube that streamline airflow andmoisture decreasing the potential for moisture build up and germ growth.4. The cough filter and noise reduction device as cited in claim 1,wherein the entrance orifice has perforated holes to allow exhale air topass.
 5. The cough filter and noise reduction device as cited in claim1, wherein the body is “T” shape with three orifice; one perforatedorifice which allows exhale air to enter; two orifice that allows exhaleair to pass from interior space to an exterior space during anexhalation.
 6. The cough filter and noise reduction device as cited inclaim 1, wherein a mesh screen prevent mucus and saliva from cloggingmicro-filters.
 7. The cough filter and noise reduction device as recitedin claim 1, wherein said noise filter element include one way valves.